12 Tips on Writing Memoirs

Writing a memoir can be a daunting task. Every day, you are
excavating your memory mines and using those memories to create an artistic
landscape.

You know some basics of memoir writing, and you have learned
how to write a memoir. You have started to write, but some days, it seems
overwhelming.

To help you stay on track, here are 12 tips on writing
memoirs.

1. Be Kind to Yourself

You are not going to remember some things you wish you
could. And you will remember things you wish you could forget. It’s okay. Life is
like that. It is filled with ups and downs, triumphs and despair. While it may
be painful or exhilarating to experience, it is also what makes a good memoir.

Writing a memoir is as much about telling the truth about
your life as it is recording important events. As you write your memoir,
remember to have compassion for yourself.

2. Memory Is Unpredictable

You never know when or how your memories will emerge. You
may remember the strangest details — like the smell of your grandmother’s
kitchen — but not remember other important facts — like your grandmother’s maiden
name. That’s okay. The answers may come in dreams, chance conversations, photos
or letters. Trust that the right memories will emerge.

3. Bad Guys Are Good Guys, Too

If you are writing about someone who did you wrong, try to
find the good in the other person. What redeeming qualities did he or she have?
Why did that person behave the way he or she did? What pain did that person
experience that made him or her behave that way? The more you can present
understanding and even compassion for your “bad guys,” the more
interesting and compelling your memoir will be.

4. Just Write

Maybe you don’t know what to say. Write that down. Maybe you
don’t remember. Write that down. Maybe you think you sound stupid. Write that
down. It doesn’t matter. Just keep the pen moving across the paper; keep typing
those words into the computer. At some point, you will find the words start to
flow.

5. You Don’t Have to Write

You can use digital recorders, software and video to record
your stories.

You can also hire a ghostwriter to interview you, organize
and write your memoir. Many people — including politicians, business people,
celebrities and everyday people — use ghostwriters. Writing a memoir does not
have to be hard.

If you would like to find a ghostwriter, we can help.

6. One Day at a Time

It took you years to live your life and have the experiences
you had. Do you think you can write it down in a few short days or weeks?
Probably not.

But if you can write just a little each day, you will have
something in a few short weeks and months. Like the tortoise who eventually
reaches the finish line, so will you.

One day at a time, you will reach your goal of completing
your memoir. One day at a time, you will achieve your dream.

7. Turn Off the Inner Critic

Sometimes, you need to shut up. Shut up your inner critic,
that is. The one that says, “But that’s not right,” “Maybe I’m
saying it wrong,” “I’m not good enough to do this,” “I
don’t know how,” “I need to eat something,” “I have to
vacuum the floor ...”

For now, just let the words flow. Write whatever is on your
mind, in your heart, from your memories. Let your creativity loose.

You will have ample time to turn on the critic later — when
you’re editing the work. Or letting a professional editor or ghostwriter edit
it for you. But for now, while you write, turn it off.

8. You Can Change Everything Later

Don’t worry about naming people, offending them or being
sued. Don’t worry about getting things wrong. You can change everything later — names, dates, times, places, details, even the story itself. You can run it
by a lawyer, literary agent or publisher later.

When you are writing, your goal is simply to get everything
down first.

9. Emotional Truth Is More Important Than Factual Truth

Was he born at 2 p.m. or 4 p.m.? What exactly was the name of that
florist? Which country was that neighbor from? These are all salient details
that you might want to know while writing your memoir. But if you don’t
remember, that’s okay.

More importantly, how did you feel when your son was born?
How elated were you when you received those flowers? How did you feel when that
neighbor gave your family the basket of food that Christmas after you had lost
your job and didn’t have money to buy food?

Writing never comes out perfectly the first time. Good writing
means rewriting. Give yourself the time and space to rewrite material, until
you have something that is an authentic expression of your life, voice and
wisdom.

11. Get Support

Find a writing teacher, coach, buddy or ghostwriter to spot
you. A coach can guide and advise you, especially when you are not sure how to
proceed. More importantly, a coach keeps you accountable to your own dreams.

If you would like help writing your memoir, contact us.

12. Hold On to Your Vision

When you are stuck or discouraged, remember why you are
doing this. Is it to leave a legacy? To share your wisdom?

Think about how happy or touched others will feel after
reading your memoir. Think about how your story will make a difference in their
lives. Think about how satisfied you will feel completing it.

“Thank you for your hard work, long hours, and commitment that you have put into this book. I would not be here if it wasn't for that one phone call. You believed in me, and I can't thank you enough for that, Helen.”

Nisa Burns, author of Kitchenability, from Acknowledgments section

“To Helen Chang, for your editing brilliance and incredible cheerleading. Any person who has the privilege to work with you is very lucky.”

Chad Mureta, Author, App Empire: Make Money, Have a Life and Let Technology Work for You

“To Helen Chang, noble warrior, editor, brave soul, and sojourner, who
covers all the bases we would have missed had she not been there.”

“Helen Chang, wow, we did it! From book jail to book hell to book
heaven, all in a few months. Your work ethic is unbelievable. You are a
woman of excellence and diligence. I enjoyed working with you, and I
love your heart for people.”

Dani Johnson, Author, First Steps to Wealth, Acknowledgments chapter

“[Author Bridge Media] has taken me from talking about writing a book
to actually having a book ready for the published market in under 4
months! Their support is amazing and if the author is willing to put in
the time necessary, it can and will be done with this team.”